Cyclist determined to conquer the ride, and cancer

David Robertson will be competing in his sixth Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer on August 6-7, 2016. This year Robertson will be competing as both a survivor and a patient, as he has been diagnosed again with brain cancer.Crystal Schick Crystal Schick / Postmedia

When David Robertson straddles his bicycle on Saturday for the start of the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, it will be as both a cancer survivor and patient.

Taking part in his sixth fundraising ride, Robertson, 55, is again battling the disease that spurred him to get on a bike in the first place.

“My first ride was in 2011, the fifth anniversary of my first diagnosis. I’ve done it every year since, including last year, before I was diagnosed in the fall. And yes, I’m already signed up for 2017,” said Robertson, who is facing a second go-round with brain cancer.

The longtime Suncor employee will be joined this weekend by five others, including his brother Trevor, on Team 4 All. The two brothers did a warm-up event in June by cycling 160 kilometres during the Gran Fondo Badlands. Not bad for a guy whose idea of exercise ran more to playing bridge than riding bikes.

“I like cycling. I just didn’t know it. I had done little rides to raise money but this is different. This is a long thing to do but without (the physical aspect), it wouldn’t inspire as much money.”

And money is key in the fight against cancer. Every day in Alberta, 43 people are diagnosed with the disease. Nearly one in two will develop it sometime in their life. The annual ride has raised more than $54 million since its inception in 2009, including $7.8 million last year raised by 1,741 riders.

All of the proceeds go to the Alberta Cancer Foundation for research, clinical trials, enhanced care and new therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 16 other cancer facilities in the province. Some of the funds benefit the Patient Financial Assistance Program.

“We’ve seen an increase of 40 per cent in patients needing help. This allows them to focus on their treatment instead of their financial situation,” said Myka Osinchuk, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

“It allows us to make a huge impact in cancer research and cancer care. It hits right to the heart of Albertans facing cancer.”

Cyclists participate in the 2015 Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer along Springbank Road, raising $7.8 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.Calgary Herald

But the event is also important to participants on a personal level. Wearing a “Be Epic 2016” T-shirt and bracelet, Robertson says he continues to take part each year as a way to stay fit and to stay motivated in his own battle.

“This event is one of those things that, certainly when you leave to go out on the ride and when you come back at night to camp, it’s always the same. I have tears in my eyes,” he said.

“How many times have you seen all the people merged with their compasses in the same direction, for the same reason — both physical and mental?”

Unfortunately, Robertson is not the only rider to be struck twice by the disease. Tegan Carmichael was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer six years ago at the age of 24. She was given six years to live. Fighting the odds, she has ridden in the event every year since. She is determined to take part again this year despite undergoing emergency surgery on July 31.

Cyclists on the eighth annual Ride to Conquer Cancer will travel 200 kilometres on back roads between Calgary and Okotoks. The ride starts Saturday with opening ceremonies at Canada Olympic Park where the number of riders and amount raised will be announced. Travelling along highways 22 and 7 through Bragg Creek, Turner Valley and Black Diamond, the cyclists will make their way into Okotoks where they will camp at the Centennial Arena before returning the following day.

It’s physically demanding even for avid cyclists, but Robertson is determined. A pledge on his fundraising page is a testament to his courage:

“The prospect of completing this challenge is daunting … Every rider must ask themselves whether they believe they have the perseverance and dedication to finish the course. However, the courage and determination to complete this challenge pales in comparison to the courage and determination needed to fight cancer. I know. I am a cancer survivor and I’m going to survive again.”

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